Grand Commode, Signed Paul Sormani, Paris, 19th Century

Esceptional, large commode made in France circa 1880–1890, under the Second Empire (Napoleon III period), in the Transitional Louis XV–Louis XVI style. The piece is signed on the lock of the upper drawer “P. Sormani, Paris, 10 rue Charlot”. Paul Sormani (1817–1877), and later his heirs, were among the most renowned Parisian cabinetmakers and dealers of the 19th century, celebrated for creating luxury furniture after 18th-century models, supplied to European elites and imperial residences.

The commode is topped with a thick slab of richly veined brèche violette marble, chosen for its decorative intensity and rarity. The serpentine front opens with three drawers: a smaller upper drawer and two larger lower drawers without crossbar.

The decoration is of the highest quality: the central section displays a floral marquetry composition in exotic woods, depicting a basket of flowers tied with ribbons. The side panels are embellished with a geometric trellis of lozenges, each centered with a floral motif, framed by contrasting wood fillets.

The whole is enriched with finely cast and gilded bronze mounts: foliate handles, elaborate corner mounts with flowering stems, scroll-shaped sabots, and an ornate apron mount. The crisp chasing and gilding of these bronzes underline the superior craftsmanship associated with Sormani’s workshop.

With its impressive proportions (165 cm wide), refined marquetry, and sumptuous gilt-bronze ornamentation, this commode epitomizes the prestige and technical mastery of Sormani’s productions, destined for the most distinguished clientele of the late 19th century.

Dimensions:
Height - 92 cm
Width - 165 cm
Depth - 55 cm